Month: February 2019

Short Films & Documentaries

Mr. Khan’s Review on ‘Hotline’ (2017)

Mr. Khan's Reviews

A review on Pakistani Drama Short Film, ‘Hotline’ (2017). The Assistant Directors are Hamza Nadir & Uzair Ali while it’s Production Manager and Score composer is Kamran Khan.

 

 

+ Crew

  • Coloring, Edited, Sound Mixing, Written, Directed & Produced by Ahmer Qureshi
  • Cinematography by Jawad Mangi
  • Costumes Designed by Sehrish Baseem
  • Production Design by Aqib Jafry
  • Score ‘Wajd’ is co-composed by Murad Ansari & Saad Ansari

 

 

+ Note

Hotline is a thesis film submitted by SZABIST students. It is about the emptiness of the two married couple lives.

The director, Ahmer Qureshi is a talented cinematographer himself yet he assigned Jawad Mangi to do this film’s direction of photography.

 

 

+ Full Cast

  1. Bilal Yousufzai as Husband
  2. Syed Frozan Mustafa as Wife
  3. Faiz M. Qazi as Co-worker #1
  4. Alizar Hussani as Co-worker #2
  5. Bisma Khan as Neighbor
  6. Sohail Khan as Boss

 

 

+ Plot

After some time of married life, the couple is suffering from a good social life and has been unable to fulfill their dreams. In a time like this, someone recommends to use the ‘Hotline’.

 

 

+ High Points
i – Ahmer Qureshi has played with the colors to make it a very memorable visualization film. It reminded me of the fame sci-fi Hollywood film ‘Blade Runner’ (1984).

ii – The cinematography and its lighting has done a wonderful job in its collaboration.

iii – Bilal Yousufzai has performed very well as job struggling, a husband who is lacking greatly in communicating with his wife. Other Honorable Mentions: Frozan Mustafa.

iv – The story makes the short film interesting and compelling to watch.

 

+ Low Points
i – Even if Bisma is a non-professional actress, her acting skills still needs improvement.

ii – There was a serious absence and in need of strong supporting role.

 

+ Overall
Visually dazzling & satisfying storytelling, Hotline is an impressive effort on its level of film making.

 

 

Rate: 4.0 out of 5 stars

 

Short Films & Documentaries

Mr. Khan’s Review on ‘Kings Without Thrones’ (2017)

Mr. Khan's Reviews

A review on Pakistani Documentary Short, ‘Kings Without Thrones’ (2017). The Score is composed by Adnan Dawood Khan.

 

 

+ Crew
I. Written, Directed & Produced by Alice Peter

II. Cinematography by Saad Yousuf Soomro & Umer Taimuri

III. Sound Mixing by Hussain Dhanani

IV. Editing by Arman Tejani

V. Executive Produced by Lucas Peter

 

 

+ Note

Kings without Thrones is a thesis short documentary film produced by SZABIST students. This film is based on Sheedi aka Makrani. It is an important documentary based on a group of people who are often ignored by their locals.

The facts to this film are provided by ‘Minority Rights Group International Periodic Reports’ and ‘Young Sheedi Welfare Organization’.

 

 

+ Interviews:

  1. Faiz Muhammad Bilali
  2. Samina Haider
  3. Salim
  4. Munir Sheedi
  5. Alishba Aziz Qambrani
  6. Abdul Aziz Sheedi
  7. Tanzila Ume Habiba

 

 

+ Plot

Sheedi are a group of people, label of an ethnic minority in Pakistan that has overtime transformed into the cultural equivalent of the terms by racist remarks as, ‘Black, Niger or Negro’.

 

 

+ High Points
i – Praiseworthy cinematography handled by the duo, who have made this short documentary very pleasant to watch.
ii – I have watched many short documentaries, professional or submitted by students. Alice Peter’s direction has made this documentary, an interesting one.

iii – The production design is carefully managed which helps in improvising its scenic designs.

iv – A different but important subject to highlight where we are shown a brief insight, of Sheedi’s cultures, values and history.

 

+ Low Points
i – This film needs to be made as documentary feature, to exploit more on this subject in able to create more awareness.

 

+ Overall
As short documentary, Kings without Thrones is a good start but it is appropriate for a feature length.

 

 

Rate: 3.25 out of 5 stars

 

Theatre Plays

Mr. Khan’s Review on ‘Twins Apart’ (2019)

Mr. Khan's Reviews

A review on Pakistani Drama theatre play, ‘Twins Apart’ (2019). The Production House is Stage Nomad Productions. The Assistant Director & Sound Design is Rao Nauman Rahman while its Acting Director is Ishtiaq R. Omar.

 

+ Crew

  • Written (Adapted) & Directed by Shah Sharahbeel
  • Co-Written (Adapted) by Kulsoom Aftab
  • Lighting by Syed M. Jamil
  • Production Design by Tanveer Abbas
  • Produced by Irfan Anwar, Hammad Ather Mehmood and Rao Rahman

 

 

+ Note

Twins Apart is a musical play originally written by Willy Russell as ‘Blood Brothers’ (1983). The story is a contemporary nature versus nurture plot, revolving around fraternal twins, who were separated at birth, one subsequently being raised in a wealthy family, the other in a poor family. The different environments take the twins to opposite ends of the social spectrum. This play was held at Arts Council Karachi on 16th Feb 2019, media night. Ever since the show has started playing from 12th Feb 2019, the lead star, Faraz Ali has fallen ill with ‘Dengue’ fever. But due to his compassion and commitment to this play, he has been performing at his best without making the audience realize of his grave illness.

 

Other crew members are, makeup & hair styling is done by Incia Kazvini, costumes design by Sumaira Sheikh, dance choreography by Shazi & Ghani, fight choreography by Muhammad Ashfaq while the music is composed by Haris. The dance choreographer Ghani aka Mohammad Abdul Ghani has also played the supporting role of Raju. The stunt of Rikshaw (vehicle) wheeling is done by its actual driver, Shahid. Songs such as ‘Bang, Bang’ is originally sung by Nancy Sinatra in 1966 and ‘Ye Dosti’ is a remake of ‘Why This Kolaveri Di’ sung by Venkatesh Prabhu aka Dhanush in 2012. This is the debut play of lead actress, Kanwal Khan.

 

Just before the start of the play, an unnecessary feud was erupted on a minor issue. It took almost half an hour to sort this out. This in-fame incident is important enough to mention here so that we as part of the management could avoid such mishaps in future. Unfortunately, it has been a very long part of Art Council’s history where they have never taken proper measures over the management’s issues. A simple sign of having front two rows as ‘Reserved’ is sufficient for anyone not to take those seats for themselves. The rules & regulations given at the back of the ticket just said reserved seats but didn’t mentioned which rows or seats to which they are exactly pointing out to. I hope that this is avoided next time by any play’s / organizer’s management. We all make mistakes but do learn from it. That is all.

 

I am not a fan of this play’s end. Though, it is almost the same written in its original version, Blood Brothers. But the original play theme was revolving around a superstition (“Shoes Upon the Table”). Therefore, it makes sense why the original writer chose this ending for. However, as for this play, it was solely up to the writer to decide. If he wanted, he could have changed it. But I guess, he must be satisfied with its original ending only.

 

 

+ Main Cast:

  1. Faraz Ali as Mussa
  2. Umer Naru as Essa
  3. Kanwal Khan as Noorie
  4. Ifrah Khalid as Mrs. Safiha
  5. Faiza Mahmood as Mrs. Mariyum Qalabash
  6. Rehan Nazim as Singer & Narrator #1 (Main) / Raavi / Dancer #1

 

 

xxxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

+ Supporting Cast

  1. Mohammad Abdul Ghani as Raju
  2. Hammad Ather Mehmood as Mr. Bilal Qalabash
  3. Armoghan Bela as Hammad / Passerby #1 / Singing Organizer
  4. Muslim Abbas as Prisoner / Tipu / Dancer #2
  5. Aneesha Altaf as Nisha / Passerby #3 / Dancer #4
  6. Summaiya Rehman as Noorie’s Mother/ Passerby #4

 

 

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+ Minor Cast

  1. Ouwais Kidwai as Friend / Passerby #2 / Dancer #3
  2. N/A as Narrator #2 (Beginning & Ending)
  3. Aqib Yasbaig as Police Officer / Dancer #5
  4. Gulv Merley as Police Officer / Dancer #6
  5. Niaman Hassani as Police Officer / Dancer #7
  6. Litle Wayne as Police Officer / Dancer #8

 

 

+ Plot

It revolves around twin boys (Mussa and Essa) who are separated at birth and brought up in completely different environments in the city.

 

 

+ High Points

i – I really do not know how to praise Faraz Ali. Any praises given to him would be considered short and incomplete. As an actor, he goes deep in his character to play the role through their eyes. He is awesome on every level of his acting craft. Honestly, I see Faraz as high contender to our industry whether it is theatre, TV or film. His terrific performance as Mussa have made many people to wonder, why they have never heard his name before? Why they have never seen him on mainstream projects? I (with many people), strongly believe that he should approach TV and film industry where he would be more appreciated and highlighted by the mass audience… not just in Pakistan but all over the globe. Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce you Faraz Ali as the ‘Shining Star’.

ii – As for Kanwal Khan’s performance for her role as Noorie, the word is ‘Wow’! It is difficult to believe that this is her debut play. For a girl of her talent, she can do wonders for upcoming projects.

iii – The very first performance I have watched of Umer Naru was his comic role for few episodes in the TV series, ‘Pyray Afzal’ (2013) as Mehtab. Here, he plays the second brother of rich lifestyle as Essa. Since his character was less demanding, Umer still able to do a convincing job as educated, cool minded brother from respectable background. Other than his acting skills, it has came as a surprise for many that he is an actual singer with a very good voice and wrote his own songs. Impressive, I must say. Other Honorable Mentions: Rest of the cast.

iv – Superb direction by respected Shah Sharahbeel. The love triangle chemistry, scenes swift changes during songs sequences and adulthood scenes were very well directed. This is my first play that I have watched of Shah Sharahbeel. And I can assure you that I am overwhelmed and eager to watch more of his upcoming directorial plays.

v – Rehan Nazim has done a wonderful job as the narrator. Not only he was instructed to face the audience for them to have the emotional link with the main characters present on-stage but make them feel the pain, the struggle that the characters were feeling through the effective handling of his narration.

vi – Although, the play was around 135 minutes long. But I can assure you that not even once did I glance over my wrist watch to see the time. The play was so interesting that it made the audience’s minds and hearts connected to it.

vii – The dance choreography in all the songs and by the professional dancers was excellent! A huge round of applause for the BTS team.

viii – It is very rare to see the usage of projection design as this play did. Some people may call it visual presentation also, though it differs from it. ‘Shehr-e-Afsoos’ (2018), directed by late Madeeha Gauhar is a good example who used this technique stunningly in her play.

ix – There were other performances such as by Ifrah Khalid who made a very bold and good choice for playing biological mother. She is young, energetic actress. If she wanted, Ifrah could had played the lead role as Noorie remarkably too. But I am still pleased to see that she is making right choices early in her career for her to grow up to become a strong performer.

‘Rehearsal’ (2018) was the play directed by Syed Meesam Naqvi where Faiza Mehmood played the lead role. Her performances in both the plays have been solid.

I am very happy to see that Mohammad Abdul Ghani has able to improvise his negative character to a much better and brighter result.

x – High kudos to the songs sung by Umer Naru on his guitar, concert scene and Rehan Nazim’s singing after giving narration in almost every major scene that he appeared to.

xi – The combined efforts by the makeup & hair styling team with costumes designers have able to pull this off by showing the passage of time from childhood days to adulthood.

xii – Even though the production design was not detailed with props but it was innovative to change its different locations’ set easily.

 

 

+ Low Points

i – Personally, I don’t agree with this play’s treatment. It gave a strong similarity to Bollywood style films. Most of the Pakistani films nowadays are not making films similar to their neighbor’s commercial films anymore. Same way, I believe that we can and should have our own signature move on it… even if it’s a musical play.

ii – There were times where this play was over-dramatic. The writer should tone down a little bit to give more realistic feel to it. A popular example from the film world can be given here of the Tokyo Story (1953) which was copied / remake into Bollywood film, Baghban (2003). Even though, both of these two films are very compelling and touching to watch. But there are many scenes that were changed to be over-dramatic in Baghban. The writer of Tokyo Story could have done the same very easily, but he didn’t. He chose not to. And this is one of the main reasons why this film is considered as one of the best and listed in the Criterion collection. Yes, I do understand that our mass audience go for more emotional, dramatic scenes. But it is suggested only not to follow the such paths as the writer of Baghban did. Keep it real, more realistic to the actual world.

iii – For a comic relief character, try coming up with creative characteristics, good punch lines and interesting backstory. Having a homosexual character for a comic role is a serious ‘No-No’. Armoghan Bela did his level best to do justice to the character given to him. Hence, it is not his fault.

iv – There were some writing issues, where the script was weak especially the first act, of childhood scenes.

v – Due to his commitment of being a producer, Hammad Mehmood plays a small role of Essa’s father. For him to be in any play, the audience wants to see Hammad perform in a much interesting and bigger character. Make no mistake, Hammad Mehmood is ‘The Star’ of Stage Nomad Productions.

vi – Minor issues regarding its lighting such as where the narrator is facing the audience and he is not given / delayed a spotlight for audience to see him clearly; as he is the center of focus for that moment.

 

 

+ Overall

Twins Apart happens to be a highly entertaining play which Stage Nomad Productions have ever produced!

 

Rate: 4.25 out of 5 stars

TV series

Mr. Khan’s Review on ‘Yakeen Ka Safar’ (2017)

Mr. Khan's Reviews

A review on Pakistani TV Drama Series, ‘Yakeen Ka Safar’ aka The Journey of Faith (2017). Its Production House is MD Productions and Distribution is done by Hum TV.

 

 

+ Crew

  • Directed by Shahzad Kashmiri
  • Written by Farhat Ishtiaq
  • Cinematography by Tameen Nazami and Safdar Hussain Rind
  • Music by Waqar Ali and Syed Sohail Haider
  • Produced by Momina Duraid

 

 

 

+ Note
Yakeen Ka Safar aired on Hum TV in 19th Apr 2017 – 1st Nov 2017. In total it consists of 29 episodes. This TV serial is based on a novel as ‘Woh Yaqeen Ka Naya Safar’ by Farhat Ishtiaq. The shooting locations are Neelum Valley; Azad Kashmir and Karachi; Pakistan. The Opening and Ending Songs are sung by “Yaqeen Ka Safar” by Hadiqa Kiani and “O Matti Kay Parinday” by Richa Sharma.

Hum TV hired the director Shahzad Kashmiri who previously directed Bin Roye for the same channel. Sajal Ali made her television comeback two years after her 2015 Hum TV series Gul-e-Rana. Ahad Raza Mir’s performance was praised and the drama was appreciated by the audience because of its unique story line.

Yakeen Ka Safar was channel’s biggest hit of 2017 after Alif Allah Aur Insaan. Series is penned on their journey which changes their life overtime.

 

 

 

+ Main Cast

  1. Ahad Raza Mir as Dr. Asfandyar Usman Ali Khan
  2. Sajal Ali as Dr. Zubia Khalil
  3. Hira Salman as Gaiti Daniyal Usman Ali Khan
  4. Shaz Khan as Barrister, Daniyal Usman Ali Khan
  5. Farhan Ali Agha as Barrister, Usman Ali Khan
  6. Mohammed Ehteshamuddin as Khalil
  7. Beenish Raja as Sheema Rehan
  8. Afraz Rasool as Rehan Khalil
  9. Sabeena Syed as Faryal
  10. Aisha Ali Khan as Urooj Nisar

 

 

xxxxxxx

 

 

+ Supportive Cast

  1. Shamayel Tareen as Dr. Asifa Shahroze
  2. Shamyl Khan as Dr. Shahroze
  3. Salman Saqib Shaikh as Dr. Haroon
  4. Nasreen Naz as Noorie’s mother
  5. Ismail Chandio as Noorie’s father
  6. Ali Gul Malah as Rab Nawaz’s assistant
  7. Suhaee Abro as Noorie
  8. Sabiha Somar as Lubna
  9. Huma Nawab as Mahjabeen (Zubia’s aunt)
  10. Ainy Zaidi as Gaiti’s mother
  11. Munza Arif as Faryal’s mother

 

 

xxxxxxx

 

 

+ Minor Cast

  1. Agha Talal as Mohsin (Mahjabeen’s son)
  2. Nabeel Zuberi as Ramiz (Zubia’s boyfriend)
  3. Zia Gurchani as Gaiti’s father
  4. Javed Iqbal as Faryal’s father
  5. Akbar Islam as SSP Shehzad Ahmed
  6. Naima Khan as Jehangir’s mother
  7. Fazila Qazi as Maah-e-Talat (Zubia’s Mother)
  8. Zainab Qayyum as Rumana (Women activist)
  9. Jahanzeb Gurchani as Rab Nawaz
  10. Mariyam Nafees as Khajista
  11. Hassan Noman as Bahadur (Khajista’s husband)
  12. Ismat Zaidi as Zubia’s grandmother
  13. Ibrahim Salman (son of Salman Shaikh and Hira Salman) as Saim

 

 

 

+ Plot

It depicts the journey of a young Dr. Zubia Khalil and how she meets Dr. Asfandyar; both faced equal challenges in their environment and have dark history of the past kept hidden from each other.

 

 

+ High Points

i – Sajal Ali’s performance as Dr. Zubia Khalil, is very strong. She is already ranked in the A-list category of actresses where everyone whether audience or critics expect her to do her best.

ii – Ahad Raza Mir as Dr. Asfandyar Khan, has performed impressive as mature, strict and discipline doctor. Unlike to his singing move, as an actor, Ahad has proven to the audience several times with his charming, convincing performance that he has often given in TV as well as in film, similar to his father, respected Asif Raza Mir still does. Other Honorable Mentions: Mohammed Ehteshamuddin and rest of the cast.

iii – The writing in terms of character development is well written. Such as Dr. Zubia, Dr. Asfandyar, Dr. Haroon and Barrister: Usman Khan. The story itself is interesting as the solution to the crisis comes with passage of time and bad experience. This is something which many TV series fail to achieve.

iv – Shahzad Kashmiri’s direction have able to pull this off quite nicely indeed. I would say that the later episodes were more interesting than the ones showed in first 10 episodes. Naturally, good writing is the key for it. But if the direction was dull, perhaps, we wouldn’t be discussing this TV series with appraisal.

v – There are a number of well performed scenes, such as when one of the main characters gets killed and how the loved ones are dealing with the sudden loss of life. Other scenes include, when one of the lead characters is told of incoming visit by a close relative after so many years and they deal with that relative. Finally, that scene where one of the doctors tries to convince his love interest for marriage proposal. These scenes are very believable and are moving.

vi – The chemistry between Dr. Asfandyar and Dr. Zubia worked well, as per their characters written.

vii –The shooting location of Neelum Valley is a beautiful choice, as we viewers enjoy its scenery, ambiance and local people life style.

viii – The music, the songs have able to capture the moment and the attachment that viewers have with this TV series and their characters, is something to give utter value to.

ix – The last 6 to 8 episodes are very interesting and heartwarming to watch.

 

 

 

+ Low Points

i – Starting of the episodes failed to give an impressive start. At that time, I was thinking perhaps it was not a good idea to give review on this TV series.

ii – Rehan Khalil, elder brother of Dr. Zubia is so loving and have a good understanding with her at first. But all is suddenly changed after an infamous incident regarding his sister’s decision. His hatred for her was understandable if it had lasted for few weeks or months. Now, some people might say in support that it was his wife’s ill intentions due to which Rehan’s behavior with his sister gets worse, which is btw only partially correct. Even till the end, he tries to redeem himself but that too doesn’t add up much as he is left with disgust with himself without ever truly knowing of his wife’s intentions and decisions she had taken ever since the accident of his father.

iii – There were times where logical writing was absent from some scenes that were shot. Fo example: being a barrister, how can Daniyal Khan can make such silly mistakes in hiring a girl as his secretary without doing proper background research on her. Even when the time comes in handling the culprit, instead of being quiet and let the police force handle the issue, he tries to interrogate the girl himself and as expected gets tangled up with a wrongly imposed crime. Absolute shocking! Another example is when the former secretary realizes who the doctor is, she suddenly makes an honest and bold decision to appear in media and reveal her past illegal activities including in clearing up someone’s name where she herself is directly involved in and could face some serious consequences. She reveals all this at a press conference without taking anyone or a lawyer into confidence before facing the unlimited tough questions from the media / journalists. Such mistakes as these, were keep reminding us that this is fiction, not a reality.

iv – Fazila Qazi happens to be well established, great actress of the past TV series. However, here her performance was dull, almost as if ‘Without a heart’. Regardless if the role is big or small, one needs to do their best.

 

 

 

+ Overall
Yakeen Ka Safar is a smooth romantic drama, with Sajal and Ahad at their most charming.

 

 

 

Rate: 3.75 out of 5 stars

 

TV series

Mr. Khan’s Review on ‘Tanhaiyaan’ (1985-6)

Mr. Khan's Reviews

A review on Pakistani Classic TV Drama Series, ‘Tanhaiyaan’ aka Loneliness (1985-6). Its Production House is Shalimar Recording Company (SRC) while its Distribution is done by PTV Centre (Lahore).

 

 

+ Crew

  • Directed by Shahzad Khalil
  • Written by Haseena Moin
  • Music by Arshad Mehmood

 

 

+ Note
Tanhaiyaan aired on PTV in 1985-6. In total it consists of only 11 episodes. Over the time span, this classic TV series is also considered as cult favorites.

Shehnaz have acted in few TV series of her career whereas Tanhaiyaan and Ankahi is considered as Pakistan’s one of the best TV series.  Unfortunately, she took early retirement in mid 1990s and since have kept herself away from limelight until her debut directorial play in 2010. The director could not live long and was expired in 1989, due to cardiac arrest only at the age of 45.

Tanhaiyaan has re-run several times on PTV and other TV channels, due to its popularity. In 2012, there was a sequel to this TV serial as ‘Tanhaiyaan Naye Silsilay’ which was directed by Marina Khan and out of 12 main cast members, only 6 of them reprise their roles.

 

 

 

+ Main Cast

  1. Shehnaz Sheikh as Zara
  2. Marina Khan as Sanya
  3. Asif Raza Mir as Zain
  4. Aamir Hatmi as Fiancée / Syed Salman
  5. Behroze Sabzwari as Qutbutdin / Qabacha
  6. Badar Khalil as Zubi Khala / Aani
  7. Qazi Wajid as Farhan

 

 

xxxxxxx

 

 

+ Supportive Cast

  1. Azra Sherwani as Aapa Begum
  2. Durdana Butt as Bibi
  3. Yasmeen Ismail as Vida
  4. Jamshed Ansari as Buqrat
  5. Muhammad Yousuf as Zain’s Father
  6. Mushtaq Royaish as Servant / Salamet
  7. Subhaniba Yunus as Zara and Sanya’s father
  8. Sultana Zafar as Zara and Sanya’s mother

 

 

 

+ Plot

Zara & Sanya, two sisters start living with their aunt after the sudden loss of their parents. One of their efforts to buy back their parents’ house leads them to realize what makes a house a ‘Home’.

 

 

+ High Points

i – The main reason behind this classic TV series’ success is its direction. Shahzad Khalil who happens to be the brains behind it, have able to do a very splendid job. At many places, this TV series is executed in the world of realism.

ii – The writing especially the first few episodes and this TV series characters’ such as Zara, Sanya, Zain… is very effectively written by respected fame writer, Haseena Moin. The combined efforts with the director, have able to come up with a classic TV series.

iii – This serial featured an ensemble star cast of veterans such as Shenaz Sheikh, Marina Khan, Badar Khalil, Azra Sherwani, Asif Raza Mir, Behroze Sabzwari, Qazi Wajid, Jamshed Ansari, Yasmeen Ismail, Durdana Butt, Mohammad Yusuf, Sultana Zafar and Subhaniba Yunus.

iv – The comic relief character, ‘Qabacha’ played by Behroze Sabzwari have able to bring a hilarious moment for the viewers to enjoy. I remember watching this TV series back in early 90s during reruns, where I (at that time) did not know the names of celebrities, especially of Pakistani artists. But the character name, ‘Qabacha’ been given to Behroze Sabzwari’s role as ‘Qutbutdin’ was actually very catchy and often identified him as. Some people to this day often calls him as ‘Qabacha’ due to his iconic role that he played.

v – Good performance by Shehnaz Sheikh as she plays the elder, responsible sister Zara, who makes her ultimate goal to buy back the house where once lived with her late parents.

vi – Marina Khan as Sanya have performed nicely as the younger, immature sister who often plays gags and teases on Qutbutdin aka Qabacha. Other Honorable Mentions:  Rest of the cast.

 

 

 

+ Low Points

i – Talking about the first few episodes, they are very interesting to watch as we are shown new characters with the story gradually unfolding and been revealed to us. However, that doesn’t last long as the last four episodes (at least) were too serious, lacking the potential for the story to go any further. To make the TV series interesting again, the writer kept bringing in Qabacha with his silly misadventures to watch and enjoy. But it was already too late, as this TV serial had already fallen down the steep of no return.

ii – Jamshed Ansari’s character is totally wasted. Although he is a wonderful actor but the writer didn’t develop the character strong enough for him to make us feel his being importance. In first 3 – 4 episodes, Buqrat has some interesting scenes and lines to deliver. But then as this TV series starts to fall, so does his character.

iii – The time span passed too soon in these 11 episodes. Zara is already earning so well in her young age where she able to buy back the house of her late father and has able to expand her business to have a partnership. Let’s just say that with just 11 episodes and the characters’ still remaining young, it was very unlikely to believe all that. And speaking of some writing issues here, we are made to believe that after the sudden loss of Zara’s parents, she is able to find job easily and quickly. Not once, we are shown her co-workers or her boss who she is working for in the start of the episodes. As later on, she has her own business to start, where the character, Syed Salman as her business partner comes into view. This issue is regarding lack of details been shown in able to convince the viewers with the surrounding of realism.

 

 

 

 

+ Overall
Though hilarious and emotionally embodied at first, even with winning performances from the main cast, Tanhaiyaan suffers from taking itself way too seriously than intended to.

 

 

 

Rate: 3.25 out of 5 stars